ENWAF: Two Years Of Empowering Women, Girls In  Bayelsa State

For the past two years, the ENWAF initiative in Bayelsa State has worked tirelessly to empower women and girls. This program focuses on education, skill development, and health, among other things, to create a better future for the region’s women and girls. WHITENIGERIANGIRL investigates the impact of these efforts and recognises the progress made over the last two years.

The Eunice Nnachi Women Advocacy Foundation (ENWAF) is a beacon of hope and empowerment in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. In only two years, the foundation has woven its way into the fabric of the community, dedicating itself to the empowerment and advancement of women and girls.

ENWAF will mark its second anniversary in March 2024, and there will be plenty to celebrate. From pioneering sensitisation campaigns to providing critical support to vulnerable women and forming critical partnerships, the organisation has made significant progress in its mission to champion women’s rights, promote education and healthcare, and foster community development.

ENWAF was founded on a strong commitment to addressing the unique challenges that women and girls face in Bayelsa State. The foundation, which will officially begin operations in March 2022, was founded to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who are frequently marginalised and overlooked.

  The core tenets of ENWAF are advocacy, support, and community engagement. The foundation envisioned a future in which women are empowered to achieve their full potential, free of societal norms, economic hardship, and limited access to essential resources.

The initial goal was to identify the most pressing issues affecting women and girls in the region. ENWAF identified critical areas for intervention based on careful research and community consultations. These included combating human trafficking, eradicating harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM), increasing access to quality education, and providing adequate healthcare services. These areas served as the foundation for ENWAF’s programs and activities, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to providing a better future for Bayelsa State’s women and girls.

ENWAF has implemented a wide range of programs and activities over the last two years, each designed to meet specific needs while also contributing to women’s and girls’ overall empowerment. These initiatives have had a regional impact, touching people’s lives and bringing about long-term change.

One of ENWAF’s most successful strategies has been the implementation of targeted sensitisation campaigns. Recognising that knowledge is power, the foundation has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of critical issues affecting women and girls. These campaigns were strategically deployed in a variety of community settings, including schools, markets, and religious institutions, to maximise reach and impact.

ENWAF’s sensitisation campaigns have addressed a wide range of issues, including the scourge of human trafficking. ENWAF has empowered people to protect themselves and their loved ones by educating communities about traffickers’ deceptive tactics and the devastating consequences of their crimes. The campaigns have also raised awareness about the dangers of female genital mutilation (FGM), a harmful traditional practice that violates the rights of women and girls.  ENWAF has contributed to the eradication of FGM in Bayelsa State by raising awareness of the health risks associated with the practice and advocating for its abandonment.

Furthermore, ENWAF has consistently emphasised the value of education for girls. Recognising that education is a powerful tool for empowerment, the foundation has worked to encourage parents to send their daughters to school and to provide them with the resources they require to succeed. The sensitisation campaigns emphasise the long-term benefits of education for not only individual girls but also their families and communities.

ENWAF’s commitment to empowering women goes beyond awareness campaigns and includes direct assistance to those in need. The foundation recognises that many women in Bayelsa State face significant challenges, such as poverty, disability, and limited access to basic services. In response, ENWAF has created programs to help vulnerable women overcome these obstacles and live better lives.

The foundation’s efforts have included shelter and assistance for women experiencing homelessness. One notable example is the help given to a 39-year-old autistic woman who was evicted from her home. ENWAF intervened to provide temporary housing while also connecting her with resources and support services to ensure her long-term stability.

ENWAF has also provided critical support to women in need of medical care.  In one case, the foundation helped a woman who needed medical treatment for a fibroid operation. ENWAF assisted her by providing financial assistance and connecting her with medical professionals, allowing her to receive the treatment she required to improve her health and wellness. These acts of compassion and support demonstrate ENWAF’s commitment to empowering women by meeting their immediate needs and assisting them in overcoming barriers to a higher quality of life.

ENWAF recognises that achieving its mission requires collaboration and partnership.  The foundation has actively sought to establish relationships with other organisations and government agencies to broaden its impact and reach a larger audience. These collaborations have helped ENWAF expand its capacity to address the complex issues that women and girls face in Bayelsa State.

ENWAF has established strong partnerships with government agencies such as the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Human Trafficking (NAPTIP). These collaborations have allowed ENWAF to use these agencies’ resources and expertise to improve its programs and initiatives.

For example, the collaboration with NIMC has facilitated women and girls’ registration for national identity cards, ensuring their access to critical services and opportunities. ENWAF’s efforts to combat human trafficking have been strengthened through collaboration with NAPTIP, which has provided community members with training and resources on how to identify and report trafficking cases. These collaborations demonstrate ENWAF’s commitment to working together to achieve its objectives and maximise its impact.

Lady Eunice Nnachi, Founder of ENWAF, stated that the organisation recognises the importance of access to quality healthcare for women’s empowerment. The foundation has actively participated in health-related initiatives that promote women’s health and well-being in Bayelsa State.

” These initiatives have included taking part in awareness campaigns, providing health education, and promoting access to healthcare services.

“ENWAF actively participated in the 2023 and 2024 World Breastfeeding Week campaigns, which promoted breastfeeding’s benefits for both mothers and infants. By disseminating information and organising community events, ENWAF helped to raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding and encouraged mothers to do so.

“The foundation has also collaborated with cancer centres to provide education and support to women affected by cancer. ENWAF participated in a live webinar on cancer awareness, which covered prevention, early detection, and treatment options. “These efforts reflect ENWAF’s commitment to empowering women by promoting their health and providing access to quality healthcare services,” she stated.

The foundation strongly advocates for women’s rights and social justice. The foundation actively participates in protests and advocacy campaigns to raise awareness about critical issues facing women and girls.  ENWAF believes that speaking up and demanding change can help to build a more just and equitable society.

ENWAF actively participated in the global campaign 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which aimed to raise awareness and take action to end violence against women and girls. The foundation organised community events, workshops, and rallies to raise awareness about the prevalence of gender-based violence and to advocate for stronger laws and policies to protect women.

“ENWAF also participated in protests against oil companies’ divestment from the Niger Delta, advocating for environmental justice and the protection of the rights of communities affected by oil exploration and production. These actions demonstrate ENWAF’s dedication to using its platform to promote women’s rights and social justice.”

ENWAF’s activities over the last two years have had a significant and positive impact on the lives of many women and girls in Bayelsa State. The foundation has given women the ability to access education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. It has supported and assisted vulnerable women and girls in overcoming obstacles and building better lives. It has increased awareness of critical issues affecting women and girls, resulting in a more just and equitable society.

As the organisation plans for the future, it remains steadfastly committed to its mission and vision. ENWAF intends to expand its programs and reach, strengthen its partnerships, and continue to advocate for women’s and girls’ rights and empowerment.  The foundation is committed to developing long-term solutions that address the root causes of gender inequality and leaving a legacy of empowerment in Bayelsa State.

Lady Nnachi, the Founder and Executive Director of ENWAF, expressed the organization’s collective pride and gratitude. “We are proud of our accomplishments over the last two years, and we appreciate the support of our partners and stakeholders. We are excited to continue our work, broaden our reach, and leave a lasting impact on the lives of women and girls in Bayelsa State.”

The Eunice Nnachi Women Advocacy Foundation (ENWAF) has emerged as a formidable force for change in Bayelsa State.  ENWAF’s multifaceted approach, which includes sensitisation campaigns, direct support, strategic partnerships, and unwavering advocacy, demonstrates a clear commitment to empowering women and girls. As the organisation celebrates its second anniversary, it is clear that ENWAF’s work is having a tangible impact on the lives of those it serves. The foundation’s dedication, combined with its strategic approach, positions it as a key player in advancing women’s rights and gender equality in Bayelsa State, promising a better and more equitable future for the region’s women and girls. ENWAF’s journey demonstrates the power of grassroots organisations to drive positive change and inspire hope in their communities.